Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a condition where the immune system in an individual’s body turn against its own tissues. The primary act of the immune system of a person infected by Hashimoto’s disease is to attack the thyroid. This attack usually leads to hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones.

The thyroid gland is located in the front portion of your neck and is responsible for making hormones that control your metabolism.

Risk factors

• Genes:  Most of the times, this disease is a hereditary disease. If your family has a history of autoimmune diseases or thyroid disease, then you might get a Hashimoto’s disease genetically.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease
The symptoms for this disease can be mild in the initial stages and can also take years to develop. The primary sign is a swollen thyroid, called a goiter. If you have a swollen goiter it will make the front of your neck look swollen, this is how you will know about the disease. Along with this, the swelling will also encroach problems with swallowing. Other signs include:

• Fatigue
• Puffy face
• Muscle pain
• Constipation
• Inability to get warm
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Hair loss or thinning, brittle hair
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
• Slowed heart rate